Phonograph control by sound record



Jan. 14, 1936,

J. H. HAMMOND, JR.,ET AL PHONOGRAPH CONTROL BY SOUND RECORD Filed June 20, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 t9 ZNVENTOyX I l 19.

q- ATTORNEYS Jan. 14, 1936- J. H: HAMMOND, JR.,ET AL 2,027,426

PHONOGRAPH CONTROL BY SOUND RECORD Filed June 20, 193 2 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 lgVENTO/iS 9. f Jm A TTORNE VS 1936- J. H. HAMMOND, JR.,ET AL 2,027,426

PHONOGRAPH CONTROL BY SOUND RECORD Filed June 20, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 @NVENTOR M 3m ;1 MTO2NEL Jan. 14, 1936- JQH. HAMMOND, JR .,l-.-r AL 2,027,426

PHONOGRAPH CONTROL BY SOUND RECORD Filed June 20, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 14, 1936 UNHTED STATES PATENT OFFICE PHONOGRAPH CONTROL BY SOUND RECORD Application June 20, 1932, Serial No. 618,118

31 Claims.

This invention relates to sound reproducing means and more particularly to a means for controlling the sound reproduction from a sound record tablet.

The invention relates more particularly to phonographs which are provided with an amplifier, the controls of which are adjusted by members which cooperate with notches cut on the edges of the record discs. 7

The invention further provides means for making these adjustments independently for the two sides of the record.

The invention also relates to phonographs with long duration records in which a plurality of selections are incorporated in one continuous record and provides means for independently setting the amplifier controls for each individual selection.

Means are also provided so that standard size and long duration records may be played on the same machine.

The invention also consists in certain new and original features of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter set forth and claimed.

'35 Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, the mode of its opera- 30 tion and the manner of its organization may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which 35 Fig. 1 is atop plan view of the invention as applied to a phonograph.

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1 with the record and turntable removed.

( s Fig. 3 is sectional elevation taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view similar to Fig. 1 with controls in operative positions.

Fig. 5 shows a detail of the mechanism in an 45 operative position.

Fig. 6 illustrates diagrammatically one form of circuit which may be used in connection with this invention.

Fig. '7 illustrates diagrammatically a switching 5o mechanism which is used when changing from standard to long duration records.

Fig. 8 is a detail of the switching mechanism taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is similar to Fig. 8 taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 7.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings. v

In the following description and in the claims, parts will be identified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended to be as 5 generic in their application to similar parts as the art will permit.

Referring to the accompanying drawings and more particularly to Figures 1 to 3, a base Ill is provided, to the lower side of which is attached 10 a phonograph driving mechanism contained in a casing II. This mechanism is provided with a standard type of change speed device for use with long duration records, which is operated by means of a shaft l2, which is attached to an 5 arm 13, secured to a shaft l4, on the end of which is mounted a handle [5.

The mechanism in the casing ll drives a shaft IE, on the upper end of which is mounted the usual turntable l1. Resting on this turntable 20 is a record I8, which is provided with a plurality of notches 2|, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, cut in the edge thereof.

The usual tone arm 2! is mounted on the support 28. Secured to the end of this tone arm is a standard electro-magnetic pick-up 29, which is provided with the usual needle 3!.

A support 32 is provided for the tone arm which is so constructed that the needle 3| will be held above the top of the record until the pick-up 29 has been moved sufficiently to the left to cause the needle 3| to be in a position above the outer edge 33 of the record groove. The right-hand side of the tone arm 21 will then be at the lefthand edge of the support 32, so that the needle 35 31 may then be lowered into the record groove. In this way, it is impossible for the needle 3! to drop into any of the notches 2|, 22, etc. while being placed in position.

The standard type of shut-off mechanism is 4 provided consisting of the slotted arm 34, to the end of which is attached the pawl 35. This cooperates with the ratchet teeth 36 on the arm 31, the other end of which is provided with a hook 38. The trip 39 is provided with a pin 40, and is rotated in a clock-wise direction by means of a spring 4|. The usual motor switch is shown at 42, which comprises a fixed contact 43, and a movable contact 44, carried by a spring 45. A spring operated detent 46 is carried on a plate 47, 50 which is provided with a cam face 48. The plate 41 is mounted for rotation on a pin 49. A spring 49-A tends to rotate this plate in a counterclockwise direction. At suitable times, the detent 46 engages the slot 26 in the record 18.

Surrounding the shaft I6 and secured to the base I is a sleeve 50. Rotatably mounted on this sleeve are five members, to 55. Secured to the ends of these members are five arms of insulating material 56 to 60. Secured to the under sides of these arms are contact springs 62, which engage contact segments 63 to 61 and groups of contact buttons, 1| to 15.

Mounted to the tops of the arms 56 to 60 are blocks 16, to which are pivoted trip members 11. Springs 18 are connected between these members and the blocks 16 and tend to rotate them in a clock-wise direction, as seen in the left-hand of Fig. 3. The trip members 11 are provided with pins 19. Secured to the base I0 are five cams 8| to 85, which at suitable times are engaged by the trip members 11 to hold them in the inoperative positions shown in Fig. 3.

Rotatably mounted on the sleeve 50 is a segment 86 to which is attached a handle 81. The segment 86 is provided with two sets of pins 88 and 89, the former being short and engaging the pins 19, and the latter being long and engaging the arms 56 to 60. A pin 9| is also carried by the segment 86 and at suitable times engages the cam face 48 of the detent mechanism 46.

In the operation of the mechanism, shown in Figures 1 to 3, the record I 8 is placed on the turntable I?v so that the notch 26 is engaged by the detent 46. The handle 81 is then moved to the right, this giving the segment 86 a motion of rotation in a counter clock-wise direction.

As this segment moves, the pins 88 will engage the pins 19 of the trip members 11, thus causing these members together with the arms 56 to 60, to be rotated in a counter clock-wise direction.

As soon as the trip members 11 have been moved, a short distance, they will move out of engagement with the corresponding cams 8| to 85, thus allowing the upper ends of the trip members 11 to rest on the edge of the record I8. These trip members will slide around the edge of the record until the first member comes opposite the notch 2|. As soon as this occurs, this trip member will drop through this notch into the position shown in Figure 5, under the action of the spring 18. In this position, the pin 19 will have moved out of engagement with the pin 88, so that as the segment 86 continues its motion, it will leave the trip member 11, together with the arm 56, in the position shown in Fig. 4.

As the segment 86 continues to move, one after another of the trip members 11 will drop into the corresponding notches, thus leaving the arms 51, 58, 59, and 60 in the positions shown in Fig. 4. In moving to these positions, the arms 56 to 60 will carry with them the corresponding contact fingers 62, so that these will then make contact with the corresponding contact buttons of the groups 1| to 15. As the segment 86 continues to move, the pin 9| will engage the cam 48, thus rotating the plate 41, together with the detent 46, in a clock-wise direction, so as to cause this detent to move out of engagement with the notch 26, as shown in Fig. 4. A further movement of the segment 86 causes it to engage the pin 40, thus rotating the member 39 in a counter clock-wise direction. As the left-hand end of this member moves out of engagement with the arm 31, this arm will be rotated in a clock-wise direction by means of the spring 45, until the hook 38 engages the projection of the member 39, thus locking the member 39 and the arm 31 together. In this position, the contact 44 will engage the contact 43, thus causing the driving motor in the casing I to start rotating, which causes the turntable I1, together with the record I8 to start rotating.

The pick-up 29 is then moved to the left and the needle 3| is placed in the record groove 33 in the usual manner. By the time the record has finished playing, the tone arm 21 will have moved sufiiciently far to the left so that the pawl 35 will have engaged the ratchet teeth 36. As soon as the needle 3| enters the eccentric groove 95, the tone arm will be moved back and forth, thus causing the arm 34 to be oscillated, which by means of the ratch 36 causes the arm 31 to be rotated in a counter clock-wise direction, thus releasing the hook 38 from the member 39. This member will be rotated in a clock-wise direction by means of the spring 4|, thus rotating the arm 31 in a counter clock-wise direction into the position shown in Fig. 2, which will cause the contact 44 to move away from the contact 43. thus stopping the driving motor, and therefore, the rotation of the turntable I1, and the record I8.

The record is then removed from the turntable, and the handle 81 is moved to its full extent to the left, thus causing the segment 86 to be rotated in a clock-wise direction. As it does so, the pins 89 will engage the corresponding arms 56 to 60, thus causing them to be rotated in a clock-Wise direction. This will continue until the trip members 11 engage the corresponding cams 8| to 85. When this occurs, these trip members will be rotated to the positions shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The mechanism is now in its initial position,

and is ready to have a new record placed on the turn-table I1, and the cycle of operations repeated.

It is thus seen that by properly positioning the slots in the record I8, it is possible to place the contact fingers 62 on any desired contact button, by merely moving the handle 81 to the right. and at the end of this motion, the record is automatically freed from the detent 46, and is started in rotation.

For reproducing the program picked up by the pickup device 29, any suitable form of amplifier may be used, as for example, that shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. In this system the pickup 29 is connected through a potentiometer IOI, and a transformer I02, to a volume control I03. This comprises a tapped resistance I04, the taps of which are connected to contact buttons I05, which are engaged by a movable contact arm I06. This arm is connected in the input circuit of a space discharge device I01, which forms the first stage of a low pass amplifier circuit I06. This circuit includes a fixed scratch filter III, a transformer H2, 2. tone control H3, and a second space discharge device H4. The tone control II 3 comprises a plurality of condensers II5, which are connected to a set of contact buttons I I 6, which are engaged by a movable contact arm H1.

The volume control I03 is connected through a condenser I2! to the input circuit of a space discharge device I22, which forms the first stage of a high pass amplifier circuit I23, which also includes a second space discharge device I24. The output circuits of the space discharge devices I I4 and I24, include the primary of a transformer I25, the secondary of which is in the input circuit of a push-pull amplifier I26. The output of this amplifier passes through a transformer I21 to a loud speaker I28, which is provided with the usual field winding I29.

The volume control I03 is also connected to the input circuit of a space discharge device I3I, the output circuit of which is connected through a transformer I32 to arectifier I33. The cathode of this rectifier is connected to the grid return of the space discharge devices I22 and I24, and is also connected to a resistance I34. Connected across this resistance is a plurality of condensers I35, which are connected to a set of contact buttons I36. These contact buttons are engaged by a movable contact arm I31. Also connected across the resistance I 34 is a rectifier I38, the cathode of which is connected to a movable contact I39, which engages a set of contact buttons I4I. These contact buttons are connected to taps on a resistor assembly I42 which is provided with current from a power pack I43. This power pack I43 is supplied with current from a suitable A. C. source I44. This power pack provides filament current and plate potential for the various space discharge devices used in this system. The resistor assembly I42 is also connected to a plurality of contact buttons I45, which are engaged by a movable contact I46.

The output circuit of the space discharge device I 3I is also connected to the input circuit of a space discharge device I52. The output circuit of this device is connected through a transformer I53, a selector I54, and a second transformer I55, to the input circuit of a second space discharge device I56. The selector I54 may be of any desired construction, but is preferably a tuned circuit for allowing the passage of inaudible frequencies only. The output circuit of the device I56 is connected though a transformer I51 to a rectifier I58, the output of which includes a resistance I59. Shunted across this resistance is a space discharge device I 6| in the output circuit of which is a relay I62. The armature of this relay is connected to a conductor I63, and the contact is connected through a battery I64, to a conductor I65. These conductors will be described later in connection with Figure '7.

In the operation of the amplifying system shown in Figure 6, the energy from the pick-up mechanism 29 passes through the potentiometer Illl, and transformer I02 to the volume control I03. By means of, the adjustable contact I56, any amount of this energy may be fed to the amplifying system, the high frequency energy passing through the condenser I2I to the space discharge device I22, where it is amplified and fed to the space discharge device I24. Here it is further amplified and fed to part of the primary of the transformer I25.

The lower frequencies are amplified by the space discharge device I61, and passed through the transformer I I2 to the space discharge device I I4. The amplified energy from this device passes through the other part of the primary of the transformer I25. Energies from the two amplifying circuits I23 and I08 are then amplified by the push-pull amplifier I26, the output from which passes through the transformer I2! to the loud speaker I26 where the program is reproduced as speech or music in the usual manner. Control of tone may be obtained by manipulating the movable contact arm I I1, thus connecting difierent capacities across the secondary of the transformer I I2.

Some of the energy from the volume control I63 passes to the space discharge device I3I, where it is amplified and passes through the transformer I32 of the rectifier I33. Here, the

energy is rectified and passes through the resistance I34 in the direction of the arrow, thus causing a potential difference to be built up across this resistance. The positive potential built up at the upper end of this resistance is impressed upon the input circuits of the devices I22 and I24, thereby decreasing the negative bias on these devices which causes an increase of the amplification factors of these circuits. In this way, as the amount of energy received increases, the gain ratio ofthe circuit I23 is increased so that the amplification for loud signals will be greater than for weak signals. In this manner, the high frequency notes are accentuated when they are strong and suppressed when they are weak.

The time constant of the output circuit of the device I 33 may be varied by manipulating the movable contact I31, thus connecting various capacities across the resistance I34. The space discharge device I38 acts as a limiter so that when the potential across the resistance I34 has been built up to a predetermined value, controlled by the setting of the movable contact I39, current will flow through the rectifier I38, thus limiting the potential across the resistance I34. The point of low potential on the resistor assembly I42 is determined by the setting of the movable contact I45.

Some of the energy from the output circuit of the device I3I is fed to the space discharge device I52 where it is amplified and passes through the transformer I53, selector I54, and transformer I55, to the input circuit of the space discharge device I 56. Here, the energy is further amplified and passes through the transformer I51 to the rectifier I58, where it is rectified. This rectified current then passes through the resistance I59 in the direction of the arrow, thereby causing a potential difference to be built up across this resistance, which causes a decrease of bias on the grid of the space discharge device IGI This decrease of bias allows current to pass through this device, thus energizing the relay I62. This relay controls the operation of mechanism shown in Figure 7, which will be described hereafter.

It is thus seen that when energy of the proper frequency passes through the selector I54, which is preferably in the inaudible range, it will cause the energization of the relay I62. When this energy is not present the relay I62 will remain de-energized.

The movable contact arms I66, II'I, I37, I39, and I46 correspond to the contact fingers 62, secured to the under-surface of the arms 55 to 60,

shown in Figures 2 and 8, and the sets of contact buttons I05, II6, I36, MI, and I correspond to the sets of contact buttons II, I2, l3, l4, and 15, respectively. It is evident, therefore, that the controls of the amplifier, shown in Figure 6, are automatically set by moving the handle 81, as already described in connection with Figures 1 to 3, so that by merely putting the record in place and moving this handle, the amplifier will be automatically set for the proper reproduction of the program on each individual record.

The notches for setting the amplifier for the program on one side of the record are cut on the one semicircular edge, and the notches for controlling the setting of the amplifier for the program on the opposite side of the record are out on the other semicircular edge of this record, the holding notch 26 being common for both sets of notches. The notch 26 may be differentiated from the other notches, either by means of its shape, or by marking it with a suitable color,

so that it can be readily located when the record is put in place.

For locating the positions of the notches, when making the records, the program is first recorded on a record and the notch 26 cut in its proper place. The springs 18 on the trip members 11 are disengaged so that these members are inoperative. The record is then placed on the turntable and the selection is then played. The arms 56 to 60 are manually adjusted until the best reproduction for this selection is provided. After the record has been stopped, it is turned so that the notch 26 engages the detent 46, and the positions of the trip members 11 are marked on the edge of the record. The notches are then cut at these positions so that when the record is played in the manner described in connection with Figures 1 to 3, the arms 56 to 60 will be moved to the proper positions. This work, is of course, done at the factory where the records are made, so that after the notches have been located on the master record, a templet is made so that the notches in all the production records can be cut from this templet.

In order to make it possible to use the longplaying records which are engraved with a succession of programs, the mechanism and circuits shown in Figure '1, are provided as each individual program on the record will require a different arrangement of settings of the amplifier controls, so therefore, a plurality of switches, I1 I, I12, 513, etc. are provided for each required combination of settings of these controls. Only three of these switches are shown in the diagram, but as many as seven may be used in connection with the mechanism shown in Figure 2. These switches consist of a plate of insulating material I15 (see Figure 9), which is secured to a shaft I16, mounted for rotation in brackets I11. Secured to the plate I15 is an arm I18, made of magnetic material. This arm is held in the position shown by means of a spring I19. Located adjacent to the arm I18 is an electro-magnet I8I.

One side of the windings of the magnets I8I are connected through a battery I82, to a contact I83, which engages a segment of conducting material I84, mounted on a disc of insulating material I85. This disc is secured to a shaft I86, to which is also secured a ratchet I81, which is provided with a large tooth I88. Secured to the shaft is a spiral spring I89 (not shown) which tends to rotate this shaft together with the ratchet I81, and the disc I85 in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. '1. Cooperating with the ratchet I81 is a spring pressed pawl I9I, which is mounted on a reciprocating rod I92, to the end of which is secured a collar I93 for limiting the motion thereof. The rod I92, which is made of magnetic material forms the core of a solenoid I94, the winding of which is connected to the conductors I63 and I65, described in connection with Figure 6. A spring I35 surrounding the rod I92, and engaging a collar I96, secured to this rod tends to move the rod I92, together with the pawl I9I to the right, normally holding them in position shown in Fig. '1. Engaging the ratchet I81 is a detent I91 which is held in engagement with the ratchet by means of a spring I98. This detent may be moved out of engagement with the ratchet by means of a lever I99, which is mounted for rotation on the base I0, shown in Figures 2 and 3. The upper end of this lever normally rests against the segment 86.

Secured to theshaft I4, are five switches,

2M to 205. These switches comprise plates of insulating material 206, which are secured to the. shaft I4, (see Figure 8) which is mounted for rotation in brackets 201. Secured to the plates 206 is a plurality of contact fingers 298, which are connected to the groups of contact buttons TI to- 15, and to the contact segments 63 to 61. In the diagram shown in Figure 7, only three contact buttons of each group are shown, for simplicity, it being understood, however, that in practice the seven buttons of each group, shown in Figure 2, will be used.

When the shaft I4 is rotated in a counter clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 8, by means of the handle I-5, the contact fingers 208 will engage contact segments 209. One of these segments of each switch is connected to contacts 2 to 2I5, which engage the circular plate I85. The other contact segments 209 of the switches are connected by a group of conductors 2I6 to the electro-magnets I8I of the switches I1I, I12, I13, etc.

When the rod I4 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as seen in. Figure 8, the contact fingers engage contact segments 2I1. ments are connected to groups of conductors 22I to 225, the left-hand conductors of which are connected to the movable arms I06, II1, I31, I39, and MI, respectively. The other conductors of each group are connected to the tapped resistance I04, the condensers M5, the condensers I35, and the tappedv resistor assembly I42, so that when the switches 20I to 205 are in this position the circuits will be identical with those shown in Figure 6.

Secured to the plates I15 of the switches I1I,

I12, I13, etc. are contact fingers 221, which cooperate with contact segments 228. The corresponding contact fingers 221 are connected together, as shown in Figure '1, each set being connected to the left-hand conductor of the groups 221 to 225, and therefore, to the movable arms I06, II1, I31, I39, and MI. The contact segments 228 are connected to various other conductors of these groups, depending upon the desired combination of amplifier controls for each of the various selections which are recorded on the record.

In the operation of the mechanism, shown in Figure '1, when it is desired to play the standard type of record, the handle I5, and therefore, the shaft I4, are rotated in a clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 8. The circuits will be identical to those shown in Figure 6, and the operation of the mechanism will be similar to that already means ofthe shaft I2, so that when the motor is started, it will rotate the turntable I1 at a reduced rate of speed. The record is then placed on the turntable so that the notch 26 is engaged by the detent 46.

The handle 81 is then operated in a manner similar to that already described, thus causing the contact springs 62, to be moved into engagement with various contact buttons of the groups H to 15, the particular buttons selected being dependent upon the position of the notches These segin the edge of the record, as already described in connection with Figures 1 to 3. The driving motor I I is then automatically started, which causes the rotation of the record at a slow rate of speed.

The first recording on this record is that of the inaudible frequency which is passed by the selector I58. Some of the energy from the pickup 29 passes through the volume control I93, to the space discharge means I3I. Part of the output of this device passes through the amplifier I52 and selector I54, which as already described, causes the energization of the relay I62, which in turn energizes the solenoid I94. This causes the rod I82 to be moved to the left which by means of the pawl I9I causes the rotation of the ratchet I81, and therefore the disc I85, through a fraction of a revolution so that the contact 2 I I is brought into engagement with the end of the segment I84. This closes a circuit from the battery I82 through contact I83, segment I84 contact 2, contact segment 299, contact finger 208, contact segment 63, contact spring 62, contact button 1I, conductor 2I6, electro-magnet I8I of switch I12, and back to the battery I82. This energizes the electro-magnet I8I and causes the contact fingers 221 to engage the contact strips 228, as already described, thus setting the amplifier controls in a manner dependent upon the way in which the conductors from the contact strips 228 to the conductors in the groups 22I to 225 have been wired up, this having been previously arranged for this type of program.

When the needle 3| of the pick-up 29 passes on to the first program part of the record the inaudible frequency will cease, thus deenergizing the relay I62, which in turn de-energizes the solenoid I94, thus allowing the rod I92, together with the pawl I9I to be moved to the right, under the action of the spring I95, into the position shown in Figure '7. The ratchet I81, together with the disc I85, will be held, however, by means of the detent I91, so that the switch I12 will remain closed during the playing of this section of the program.

At the end of this section of the program, and before the next section starts, the inaudible frequency is again recorded on the record. This, again causes the energization of the solenoid I94, which causes the disc I85 to be rotated an additional amount, so that the contact 2I2 engages the end of the segment I84, thus closing the circuit through the electro-magnet I8I of the switch I1I. This causes this switch to be operated, thus setting the amplifier controls in a manner determined by the wiring of the conductors to this switch, this arrangement being that found preferable for the second Selection on the record.

In a similar manner, the amplifier controls will be set by the switches I13, etc., for each of the selections on the record. The record is then removed from the turntable and the handle 81 moved to the left so as to return the segment 86 to its initial position, as shown in Figure 2. This causes the left-hand end of this segment to engage the lever I99, rotating it in a clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 7, which causes the detent I91, to move out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet I81. This ratchet, together with the disc I85 is then rotated in a clock-wise direction under the action of the spring I89, un til the large tooth I88 engages the detent, thus stopping the disc I85 in its initial position, as

shown in Figure 7. The mechanism is then ready for a new record to be placed on the turntable, and the operation repeated.

If so desired, the portions of the record between the selections may be left blank instead of recording thereon the inaudible frequency previ ously referred to. If these sections between the selections are left blank, the selector I54 may be eliminated, and the output circuit of the device I52 connected to the primary of the transformer I55. As soon as the pick-up device 29 picks up the first program, energy will pass through the device I52, thereby energizing the relay I 62, as already described, which in turn energizes the solenoid I94, thus causing the disc I85.to be rotated so that the contact 2 engages the segment I84. This will cause the operation of the switch I12, thus properly setting the amplifier controls for this program. During the playing of this program the relay I62 will remain energized, thus causing the solenoid I94 to remain energized and holding the rod I92 and pawl I9I to the left. When this selection of the program is finished, the needle 3| will enter the section of the groove between the selections where no energy has been recorded. Relay I62 will then become de-energized, thus deenergizing the solenoid I94 which allows the rod I92 and the pawl I 9I to be moved to the right, into position shown in Figure '7.

When the needle 3| enters the next selection energy -will be again fed to the device- I52, thus energizing the relay I62 and rotating the disc I85, in the next position. It is thus seen that the sequence of operation, similar to that described when the selector I54 was used, is repeated, thus setting the amplifier controls for each individual selection.

The wiring connections for the switches I1I, I12, etc., are determined for different types of selections, thus for example, for an orchestral se lection, the wiring would be arranged so that the amplifier wouldbe properly set for this type of selection. For a vocal selection, the amplifier controls would have diiferent settings which would be determined in advance, thus each switch would have a given designation, such for example, orchestral, vocal, talking, etc. When a long-playing record is made, it would be deter. mined in which group each one of the selections would come, and the notch for each selec' tion would be so located that the contact 82 would be moved to the proper button to operate the correct switch for this type of selection.

Although only a few of the various forms in which this invention may be embodied have been shown herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific construction, but might be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a phonograph or the like, a sound record tablet of substantially circular form provided with notches on the periphery thereof and means cooperating with said notches for setting the controls of said phonograph.

2. In a phonograph or the like, a pick-up device, an amplifier for amplifying the energy fromsaid pick-up, a sound reproducer for converting the amplified energy into sound waves, a sound record tablet provided with marginal indentations and means co-operating with said indentations to preset the controls of said amplifier before Said record is played.

3. In a phonograph or the like, a pick-up device, an amplifier for amplifying the energy from said pick-up, a sound reproducer for converting the amplified energy into sound waves, a sound record disc provided with notches along its edge, movable fingers co-acting with the edge of said disc and means controlled by said fingers for setting the controls of said amplifier.

4. In a phonograph or the like, a sound record tablet having an irregularly shaped margin, tactile elements adapted to contact with the margin of said tablet and means controlled by said tactile elements for setting the controls of said phonograph before said record is played.

5. In a system for the production of sound from a sound record tablet, notches cut in said sound record tablet, a pick-up device, .an amplifier and a sound reproducer and means co-acting with said notches for setting the controls of said amplifier before said record is played.

6. In a system for the production of sound from a sound record tablet provided with notches along its edge, a pick-up device, an amplifier, a sound reproducer, manually operated means co-acting with said notches for presetting the controls of said amplifier.

'7. A system for producing sound from a sound record tablet comprising means for translating the sound record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the intensity and tone qualities of said compressional waves and means formed on the edge of said record tablet for automatically operating said control elements whereby the sound translated from each tablet is automatically adjusted in a predetermined manner before said record is played.

8. A system for producing sound from a sound record tablet comprising means for translating said record into compressional waves, control elements for varying the tone qualities thereof, said tablet having a plurality of notches formed on the edge thereof and cooperating with said control elements to automatically set said elements to a predetermined position before said record is played.

9. A system for producing sound from a sound record tablet comprising means for translating said record into compressional waves, control elements for varying the tone qualities thereof, said record tablet having a plurality of notches formed on the edge thereof and cooperating with said control elements to automatically set said elements to a predetermined position, said notches being so arranged that different predetermined settings may be obtained when each side of said tablet is being reproduced.

10. A sound reproducing system comprising a sound record tablet, a table for receiving and rotating said tablet, said tablet being provided with a plurality of notches on its periphery at predetermined positions, means for translating said record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the tonal quality of said waves and means whereby said control elements are positioned in accordance with the positions of said peripheral notches whereby said elements are automatically adjusted in a predetermined manner.

11. In a phonograph or the like, a pick-up device, an amplifier for amplifying the energy from said pick-up, a sound reproducer for converting the amplified energy into sound waves, a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a plurality of program selections arranged in succession, said tablet being provided with marginal indentations and means cooperating with said indentations for adjusting said amplifier for each individual selection.

12. In a phonograph or the like, a pick-up device, an amplifier for amplifying the energy from said pick-up, a sound reproducer for converting the amplified energy into sound waves, a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a plurality of program selections arranged in succession, said tablet being provided with marginal indentations, a plurality of movable fingers co-acting with the edge of said tablet and means controlled by each individual finger for adjusting said amplifier for each individual selection.

13. In a phonograph or the like, having a sound reproducing system, a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a succession of programs, said tablet having an irregularly shaped margin, tactile elements adapted to contact with the margin of said tablet and means controlled by said tactile elements for adjusting said sound reproducing system in the proper manner for each of said programs.

14. In a system for producing sound from a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a succession of programs, means for translating the sound record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the intensity and tone qualities of said compressional waves and means formed on the edge of said record tablet for automatically operating said control elements whereby the sound translated from each individual program is automatically controlled in a predetermined manner best suited for that particular program.

15. In a system for producing sound from a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a succession of programs, means for translating the sound record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the intensity and tone qualities of said compressional waves and notches cut on the edge of said record tablet for automatically operating said control elements whereby the sound translated from each individual program is automatically controlled in a predetermined manner, best suited for that particular program.

16. In a system for producing sound from a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a succession of programs separated by short records of inaudible frequencies, means for translating the sound record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the intensity and tone qualities of said compressional waves and means formed on the edge of said record tablet for automatically setting said control elements in a predetermined manner whenever said inaudible frequencies are picked up from said record, thus means for each individual selection.

17. In a system for producing sound from a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a succession of programs separated by short intervals when no energy is recorded, means for translating the sound record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the intensity and tone qualities of said compressional waves and means formed on the edge of said record tablet for automatically setting said control elements in a predetermined manner whenever no energy is picked up from said record, thus properly adjusting the translating means for each individual selection.

18. In a system for producing sound from a properly adjusting the translating sound record tablet having engraved thereon a succession of programs separated by short records of difierent characteristics from said program records, means for translating the sound records into compressional waves, a plurality of switches for adjusting said translating means in a predetermined manner, control elements for operating said switches, means formed on the edge of said record tablet for automatically setting said control elements in a predetermined manner and selector means operated by the short records between the program records for actuating each of said switches in succession thus adjusting said translating means in a different manner for each individual selection on said record tablet.

19. As an article of manufacture, a phonograph record disc having a selection recorded thereon and having notches'irregularly distributed along its outer edge, said notches being located in positions determined by the characteristics of said selection and being adapted to guide the manner of reproduction of said selection.

20. As an article of manufacture, a phonograph record having a plurality of different selections recorded thereon and having inaudible recordings between said selections.

21. In a phonograph or the like, a pick-up device, an amplifier for amplifying the energy from said pick-up device, a sound reproducer for converting the amplified energy into sound waves, a sound record tablet having engraved thereon a plurality of program selections arranged in succession, means for adjusting said amplifier and means on said record for actuating said adjusting means for each individual selection.

22. In a phonograph or the like, a disc record tablet and a pick-up device adapted to cooperate therewith, an amplifier fed by said pick-up de vice, a reproducer fed by said amplifier, notches in the edge of said tablet and means cooperating therewith to present said amplifier.

23. In a phonograph or the like, a record tablet having a sound record and control elements thereon, means coacting with said record tablet to pick-up, amplify and reproduce sound from said sound record, devices coacting with some of said control elements to preset said amplifying means before said record is played and means coacting with other of said control elements to change the setting of said amplifying means during the playing of said record.

24. A system for reproducing sound from a sound record tablet comprising means for translating the sound record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the intensity and tone qualities of said compressional waves and means formed on said record tablet for automatically pre-setting said control elements prior to translation of each tablet.

25. A system for reproducing sound from a sound record tablet comprising means for translating said record into compressional waves, control elements for varying the tone qualities thereof, said record having a plurality of slots formed therein and cooperating with said control elements to automatically pre-set said elements to a predetermined position prior to translation of said tablet.

26. A system for reproducing sound from a sound record tablet comprising means for translating said record into compressional waves, control elements for varying the tone qualities thereof, said record having a plurality of slots formed therein and cooperating with said control elements to automatically set said elements to a predetermined position, said slots being so arranged that different predetermined settings may be obtained when each side of said tablet is being reproduced.

27. A sound reproducing system comprising a sound record tablet, a magnetic pick-up adapted to translate said record into electricalvariations, an electrical amplifier associated with said pickup, control elements for controlling the tone quality of the amplified current and means associated with said tablet and operated when said tablet is placed in position for reproduction for automatically pre-setting said control elements into predetermined position, responsive to the individual characteristics of said tablet.

28. In a sound reproducing system, a sound record tablet having a plurality of radial slots therein, a sound reproducing mechanism, control elements therefor, said control elements being positioned to cooperate with certain of said slots when one side of said record is being reproduced and the others of said slots when said record is reversed.

29. In a sound reproducing system, a sound record having a sound selection recorded thereon,

reproducing devices for translating the sound selection into audible sounds, said reproducing devices having a control element for determining the nature of the reproduction, and means controlled by the sound record for pre-setting said control element for the reproduction of the selection prior to said reproduction.

30. In a system for reproducing sound, a sound record having a sound selection recorded thereon, reproducing devices comprising a. dynamic amplifier for expanding the volume ratio of the recorded selection and a sound propagating device fed by said amplifier, and means controlled by said sound record for pro-setting the constants of the dynamic amplifier for the said selection prior to the reproduction of the selection.

31. A system for reproducing sound from a mechanical sound record tablet comprising means for translating the sound record into compressional waves, control elements for controlling the intensity and tone qualities of said compressional waves and means formed on said record tablet for automatically operating said control elements whereby the sound translated from each tablet is automatically adjusted in a predetermined manner.

JOHN HAYS HAMMOND, JR. ALBERT D. TRENOR. 

